A heart-warming novel with characters you’ll love, don’t miss this first in a new series for romance, laugh-out-loud comedy and a feel-good ending. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Lindsey Kelk.

I was seven years old when I realised my mother was not a great person…

Since Savvy was abandoned by her rockstar mother, she has craved a normal life. But after years of financing her boyfriend’s lacklustre career, he leaves her when he hits the big-time.

Savvy’s friends at the burlesque club where she serves elaborate cocktails encourage her to make bold changes in her life. She soon meets handsome bartender Milo, and begins to plan a future she can be excited about.

But when Savvy’s estranged mother crashes back into her life, her newfound happiness is under threat… will Savvy have the courage to pursue her dreams?

See inside for a delicious cocktail recipe and book club questions!

About A.L.Micheal:A.L. Michael is hurtling towards the end of her twenties a little too quickly. She is the author of nine novels. Her most recent collection of books, The Martini Club Series, will start with Cocktails and Dreams, released 24th July 2017. She likes to write about sassy females who follow their dreams, and don't take no for an answer.

She is a Creative Therapeutic Facilitator, currently researching the power of creative writing to be helpful in recovering from eating disorders, and believes in the power of writing to heal.

I have decided to start a new series here on SunshineSarahxo after meeting so many lovely authors on Twitter I would like to get to know them. So I am going to try to recruit as many as I can as I think everyone deserves a chance to be in the spotlight.

Q1: Hello there, nice to have you here on SunshineSarahxo! Please could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your book:

Hello! Thanks for having me, I’m Andi (A L Michael) and my newest book is called Cocktails and Dreams. It’s about a young woman, Savvy and her relationship with her mother, rockstar Persephone Black. Her mum abandoned her as a child, and just as she’s going through a bad breakup and reconsidering her life decisions, Persephone storms back in and starts making trouble again.

Q2: At what point did you decide to write books and share them with the world??

I’d always loved writing and planned to be a writer. I finished my first book as part of my MA course, in 2012, I think, and submitted it to a publisher. That was the start of the journey! I think I knew I would always write, even if no one read them.

Q3: How would you describe your writing style? Has it changed over time at all?

I would like to think it’s sassy and funny, with a lot of quips and smart comebacks, but it’s got the odd beautiful poignant sentence in there too. My writing style has grown up a bit over the last few years, become a bit more streamlined. I’m also moving into exploring different genres so it’s fun to play with style in that way too.

Q4: Was there anyone in particular who inspired you? Which authors do you emulate?

I love all of Mhairi Mcfarlane’s books, I just think they’re a perfect balance of snort-out-loud funny and beautifully sincere. Plus there’s always so much going on, it’s never just the standard romance storyline. Sarra Manning’s You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me made me really want to write a women’s fiction book. It was just such a perfect book. Jennifer Crusie was one of the first women’s fiction authors I got obsessed with - she was writing smart-talking sassy heroines, and there was always some great side plot, like art fraud or a murder or embezzlement, or at one point, ghosts! My newest obsession is Liane Moriarty. I have loved everything she’s done. It’s just great storytelling and almost defies genre.

Q5: Do you have anything in the pipeline which you are particularly excited about?!

Only ALL THE THINGS! So Cocktails and Dreams is book one in my new series with Canelo. I am really excited to see what people think, because book 2 will be about Savvy’s best friend Mia, going back to this tiny island in Italy where her parents were from. Her dad is dying and he’s sent her there because he doesn’t want her to watch him fade away. I’ve had this story in my head for about 5 years, so I’m excited to write it. Outside of the series, I’m publishing three novellas about Ruby Tuesday, a character from my previous House on Camden Square books. The first one is done and should be out in September! And in my spare time I’m writing a thriller and a magical realism book, just to keep it varied.

Q6: Does anyone else know about your books? What do they think about them??

Family and friends are really supportive of my books. It used to be a bit awkward because there were sex scenes in them, but I’ve stopped writing those now! They know they can read them without me saying ‘Mum, avoid page 75!’

Q7: Are you obsessed with Lush!?!? If YES what is your favourite product?!

Unfortunately I’m really sensitive to smell, so even walking past a LUSH I get a bit overwhelmed! But their lip scrub is amazing and one of my favourite things. In the summer when you’re all dehydrated and your lips aren’t soft, it’s a great way to get them smooth. Also good prep before wearing bold red lipstick!

Q8: Has your writing helped you in other areas of life?!

Um, I’m really good at writing Tripadvisor reviews?! Most of my jobs involve writing in some way, as well as running workshops in writing. Also I can write a really good complaint letter.

Q9: What is it that makes you so fabulous?!

Hard question! I’m just super enthusiastic and excited about stuff, and I think people value that. Also, it’s just a fun way to live and work, excited for the next adventure.

Q10: Finally, can you recommend anything to us today!? (Skincare/Beauty/Tv Show/DVD/Music/Food Item...anything!)

Well, along with the rest of the world I am OBSESSED with The Handmaid’s Tale TV show. It is so relevant right now, and it’s really scary to see elements of how that world was created, and the world we’re living in now. It feels me with this eery dread when I watch it, but the storytelling is amazing. I also loved the book.

Music wise I have been listening non stop to Molotov Jukebox. They’re so summery and fun, and the lyrics are awesome. I heard them at a festival about 5 years ago, and recently found them again. They’re making me feel better about not going camping at any festivals this year!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below to win a cocktail making set (pictured) and an ecopy of the book (UK ONLY).Best of luck! xoxo